The Colon Club

I recently found an old post her where people talked about surviving 10 plus years with this diagnosis. It was a great comfort for me but an old post.
Can someone post if they are doing well 5 or more years after diagnosis and what treatments they are on.
I have 2 small babies and I need hope to be with them as long as possible.
I just had successful colon resection three days ago. I am doing great with that. The cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes and I have metastasis to my lungs. 6 small nodules.

Of course we can . My mum is nine and a half years into her stage 4 diagnosis. She keeps well .
Much love to you and your family .
Stu

I was diagnosed this past January at age 42 as well. I’d tell you not to focus on survival statistics. But it’s practically impossible. I resisted for a long time and eventually caved.

So, what I’ll say is that everyone is an individual. And yes, you should look at long-term survival stories for inspiration and hope. But invariably you’ll find stories of less fortunate folks.

Try not to let it consume you. Find the best medical care you can get. Consider visiting a top cancer center if possible. And focus on what you can control. I’ve had colon resection, liver resection and currently finishing up my 10th chemo sesssion. I seeked help from a naturopathic doctor to implement a more integrative treatment plan. Meaning, supplements, nutrition and exercise. I believe this has helped me tremendously. At least in terms of how I tolerate chemo and my overall well being. I feel blessed that other than 2-3 days post chemo, I feel pretty darn good.

Lastly, my parents have urged me to seek additional support in faith. This was hard for me. I havent devoted much time to church or God in a very long time. But I can say that having that spiritual release has also helped.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

It's been 11 years for me. I've run the gamut as far as treatments go. While I have active disease, I have years in between of NED. I continue to be active and live a full life and continue to celebrate milestones with my family. Yes there are crappy days, but it is doable. So go after this disease with all you've got and be present with your babies. You can do it!

Thank you all. There is so much negativity on this subject. I just really need some positivity right now. I’m having a real hard time. These post are a gift to my soul.

Opal9596@yahoo.com wrote:Thank you all. There is so much negativity on this subject. I just really need some positivity right now. I’m having a real hard time. These post are a gift to my soul.

It's overwhelming at first. You'll find lots of people here who can empathize and understand what you're going through. I'm glad your resection went well. Keep on fighting!

Stay strong and positive . There is hope as long as there is life.

I found the book Radical Remission right as I was at my darkest point, and it really helped get me to a place of optimism. I know my stats aren't great, but the stats don't know me!

I'm doing my best to live, and that includes elements of TCM including supplements and acupuncture. That seems to be helping. Biggest challenge now is eating and coping with side effects. There is something about the immediacy of physical symptoms that has kept my head off worrying about the future - silver lining maybe?

Also if I die: who will clip my kids' fingernails?! I have work to do here yet!!

Hi Opal
2 weeks short of my 6 year mark and there is always hope.
Currently not on any treatment.
Let's hope you can be in that place too.
Kiwi

Hi friend. I had Stage 4, a tumor in my sigmoid colon with lymph node involvement and a liver met at age 58. After a rough start w emergency surgery for perforating colon and resection I went with standard protocols of chemo and liver resection, and adjuvant (mop up) chemo. Never say never but it never came back. I'm 9 years out. Only thing I'd do differently is I would try CBD or medical marijuana to help with anxiety, appetite, nausea, insomnia and other side effects. One thing I'd do the same is apply for disability and Medicare.
Good luck to you. Somebody has to win one for the team, it might as well be you.
Ranger

I'm just under three months out from my stage 4 diagnosis and like you am searching for stories of long-term hope. I just get a look of pity and a reality check when I tell them than I am shooting for long-term survival. Yet I see stories of people who are 10-years out or longer from a stage 4 diagnosis and it gives me hope. My youngest is 8, and if there is at all a chance I can see him graduate from high school I will shoot for it.

I was 35 at the time of stage IV DX with a 20 month old daughter. At the time I managed to stay positive, yet deep down expected the worst. Next week will mark 7 years since diagnosis, over 6 of which have been NED. My doctors now tell me I am most likely cured, but I still remain vigilant. We added another daughter to our family last year and are thinking of adding another. There is definitely hope after such a serious and terrible diagnosis.

I was diagnosed over 10 years ago, at the age of 42. I have been in and out of treatment over the last 10 years. I'm a mom to 4 and I've been able to actively raise my kids. When I'm in treatment, it is a little hard, but I have a great support team. And when I'm off of treatment, I just live my normal life. I'm currently on a chemo break and I'm cooking turkey today and running a 5k tomorrow. Live you life...don't let cancer take over it. Good luck!!

For those of you who are 7+ years out from a Stage 4 diagnosis. Are any of you NOT receiving treatment from a top 5 cancer hospital?

Spazzyjanet, that is a good question! I wonder that too. Always thinking... should I have gone to one of those hospitals?! But then I remember that the treatment I received is the standard treatment. Hard not to fret about everything.